When Charles Dickens wrote, “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times,” we can only assume he was talking about online dating in the summer. Sure, the creeps seem to have emerged from their collective caves and that guy you were really into hasn’t texted you because he’s in Bali for three weeks, but in general, dating in the summer can be really great. The sun is out, you’re feeling more energetic and no longer have the strong desire to hibernate indefinitely under a pile of blankets and Netflix. To make the most of it, you just need to go into the summer with the right attitude and expectations.

If you’re hoping to make this your best dating summer yet, here are six things to check off your summer dating bucket list.

1. Have an outdoor date night.

If you’re bored of the usual first date formula (coffee or drink + a walk), summer is the perfect time to mix things up by taking your date outside. Lots of cities have free outdoor events like concerts, movies and plays in local parks that you can take advantage of. Instead of forking out money at the latest trendy bar, grab a bottle of wine, a couple of beers or ciders plus some snacks and have a date night under the stars. Just don’t get mad if the experience ends up being totally fun and romantic.

2. Let go of expectations.

It’s summer. You may just be feeling a little more fun and fancy free. If you’ve been incredibly focused on finding a serious relationship in 2017, now might be the time to let that expectation slide to the wayside for the summer months. You know that old saying, you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for when you’re not looking for it? Well, dating in the summer can be exactly like that. You deserve a break. Instead of focusing on finding Mr. or Mrs. Right, relax, have fun and set your sights on meeting as many people as possible this season. You might just stumble on exactly what you’re looking for.

3. Go out on a date with someone who doesn’t seem like your usual type.

If you feel like you’ve been striking out when it comes to dating lately, now’s the perfect time to switch up your game. Stop taking yourself and your “type” so seriously. If you usually go for preppy, all-American jock types, maybe it’s time to give that hip-nerd dude with the cool tattoos a try (after all, he seems to love 30 Rock as much as you do) or, if you only go for bookish intellectual types with ironic eyewear, maybe give that sporty rock-climber a chance. Either way, summer is the perfect time to let loose and experiment.

4. Let go of the idea of “forever” – at least for a few months.

Between out-of-town internships, summer travel and shifts in dating habits, summer can be a transitory period for many people. If you’re up for it, embrace the possibility of having a summer fling. Just because someone might not be your “forever” person doesn’t mean you can’t have fun and learn a few things from each other in the process.

5. Date someone outside of your usual age-bracket.

If your usual age bracket is 30-35, try extending it by a few years on either end to open up more options this summer. Dating someone who is younger than you usually go for could be a great option if you’re looking to have a summer of fun (music festivals! Rowdy 4th of July parties!) However, if you’re more interested in participating in some of the finer things in life (wine tasting + symphony in the park, anyone?) dating someone older than your usual age cap may be exactly what you need.

6. Switch up your apps or dating sites.

If you’re always on Tinder, try Zoosk for a change. If you’re addicted to Match.com, why not give eHarmony a try? If you feel bored or like you’re always bumping into the same people, trying a new online dating service or app is a quick and easy way to freshen up your online dating life.